Junior Rasmussen
Greece is a popular honeymoon destination for good reason. It offers a perfect blend of romance, history, and breathtaking landscapes. With its ancient ruins, dreamy islands, and glorious Mediterranean climate, Greece is a great place to jet off to for a romantic escape. The country has something for everyone, from exploration with a touch of luxury to unique culinary experiences and luxurious spa treatments. While the mainland is worth a visit, the islands are where it's at for honeymooning couples. Santorini, with its legendary sunsets, is a highly-visited island and a world-famous honeymoon destination. Mykonos is also a great option for couples looking for a blend of relaxation and vibrant nightlife. For a more rustic experience, the island of Naxos is a great choice, with beautiful sandy beaches and affordable dining and hotel options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Greek |
| Currency | Euro |
| Best time to visit | April-May, September-October |
| Notable places | Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Naxos, Milos, Tinos, Athens |
| Attractions | Olive groves, beaches, ancient ruins, local wildlife, water sports, luxury resorts, local cuisine, local wineries |
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What You'll Learn
- Santorini: legendary sunsets, sapphire seas and volcanic landscapes
- Mykonos: luxury resorts, beach clubs, upscale shopping and nightlife
- Crete: luxury resorts, ancient ruins, local culture and wildlife
- Milos: small island, great for four-wheeling and exploring
- Naxos: local culture, affordable dining, beautiful beaches and ancient temples
Santorini: legendary sunsets, sapphire seas and volcanic landscapes
Santorini is the perfect destination for a honeymoon in Greece, with its legendary sunsets, sapphire seas, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. The island is known for its dramatic caldera, stunning sunsets, atmospheric villages, and unique vineyards. It is considered one of the most otherworldly destinations and highly visited islands in Greece.
For those seeking romance, Santorini offers a myriad of experiences. Take a sunset sailing cruise with a BBQ dinner or charter a private yacht to explore hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque islands like Milos and Paros. Stroll on black sand beaches and take a refreshing dip in the sapphire sea. Join a honeymoon food and wine tour, sampling island-produced wines and gastronomic delights. Explore the ancient ruins, including the 11th-century Dorian settlement and the volcanic ash-preserved Ancient Akrotiri.
Santorini also offers a blend of relaxation and vibrant nightlife. Oia, known for its legendary sunsets, is carved out of the cliffs, with white buildings and colourful roofs typical of Greek architecture. Imerovigli, another iconic village, features whitewashed buildings with sapphire domes and narrow crisscrossing walking paths. Fira, Santorini's capital, has narrow cobblestone alleys lined with clothing and jewellery stores.
For accommodation, consider staying at Mystique for the Caldera view or the Apanemo hotel, known for its beautiful and intimate atmosphere, offering a perfect mix of traditional and modern amenities.
Santorini is easily accessible, with a 45-minute flight from Athens for about $100 each way during the summer. The best times to visit are late May or early June to beat the crowds, or during the shoulder seasons of April to early May and late September to late October for thinner crowds and better deals on accommodations.
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Mykonos: luxury resorts, beach clubs, upscale shopping and nightlife
Greece is a popular honeymoon destination, with its breathtaking coastlines, dreamy islands, and glorious Mediterranean climate. Mykonos, in particular, is a great choice for those seeking a blend of relaxation and vibrant nightlife.
Luxury Resorts
For a luxurious stay, Kalesma in Mykonos is a design-lover's dream, with its minimalist aesthetic, full-service spa, and villas with private pools. The Grace Hotel is another highly-rated accommodation option, perched atop a cliff with awe-inspiring views from every room.
Beach Clubs
Mykonos is known for its trendy beach clubs, where you can spend your days lounging and enjoying the sun. The island also offers a variety of water activities, such as boat tours and snorkelling.
Upscale Shopping
Mykonos provides ample opportunities for upscale shopping. Wander through the charming streets and discover unique boutiques and shops offering everything from fashion to local crafts.
Nightlife
When the sun sets, Mykonos comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. The island is renowned for its exciting clubs, where you can dance the night away. Additionally, you'll find high-end dining restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and offering romantic sunset views.
Mykonos is an ideal destination for couples seeking a mix of relaxation and excitement on their honeymoon, with its luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, and lively entertainment options.
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Crete: luxury resorts, ancient ruins, local culture and wildlife
Crete: Luxury resorts, ancient ruins, local culture, and wildlife
Crete is the largest and most populous Greek island, located about 100 km south of the Peloponnese. It is known for its distinctive Mantinades poetry and music, typically performed with the Cretan lyra and the laouto. The island also has many indigenous dances, the most notable being the Pentozali.
Luxury Resorts
Crete has a range of luxury resorts and hotels for honeymooners. While specific recommendations are hard to come by, the island's varied landscape means you can choose between turquoise lagoons and pink beaches for a relaxing honeymoon.
Ancient Ruins
Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilisation during the Bronze Age. As such, it is home to several well-preserved Roman and Ancient Greek ruins, including a theatre, Roman bath houses, cisterns, villas, and temples. The archaeological site of Knossos is particularly noteworthy, with its impressive palace and ancient writing systems.
Local Culture
As one of the few Greek islands that can support itself without tourism, Crete has a strong local culture centred around agriculture and stock breeding. The economy has shifted towards tourism in recent decades, but agriculture remains vital, with viticulture, olive groves, and dairy products playing significant roles.
Wildlife
Crete is not known as a wildlife destination, but it is home to some fascinating creatures. The island has several species of lizards, including the Cretan wall lizard, which is endemic to the island. Sea turtles also frequent the sandy beaches of Crete during the summer to lay their eggs, and their protection has become a collaborative effort between volunteers and holidaymakers. Other wildlife includes birds of prey like eagles and falcons, and the timid wild goat, known as the "agrími" or "kri-kri" in Greek.
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Milos: small island, great for four-wheeling and exploring
Greece is a popular honeymoon destination, with its gorgeous olive groves, beautiful roads, luxury resorts, and splendid sights. The country is ideal for couples who love exploration with a touch of luxury.
If you're looking for a small island that's great for four-wheeling and exploring, Milos is the perfect destination. With its narrow, dirt streets, Milos is best explored by four-wheeler or on foot. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and exotic, volcanic landscape. The most famous beach is Sarakiniko, which boasts a lunar landscape of white rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Kleftiko is another must-visit attraction, with its towering rock formations and emerald waters. It was once a hideout for pirates, and you can still see the bollards for their ships sculpted into the rocks.
In addition to its beaches, Milos offers a wealth of other attractions. The ancient catacombs, dating back to the late 1st century AD, are an impressive archaeological site. The island is also home to the sulphur mine, an eerie scene with old stone homes and iron bridges. For nature lovers, the Sykia cave, with its collapsed roof, forms a round-shaped area with a small pebble beach that can only be accessed by boat.
Milos has a range of accommodation options, from cozy hotel rooms to luxurious suites and traditional seafront houses. The island is not known as a party destination, but rather for its serene natural landscape, making it ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The best way to get around the island is by four-wheeler, but there are also public buses available, especially if you're based in Adamas, the central hub for buses.
Milos is a great choice for a honeymoon destination, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and romantic settings. With its unique landscape and charming accommodations, it's sure to create lasting memories for couples seeking a relaxing and enchanting escape.
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Naxos: local culture, affordable dining, beautiful beaches and ancient temples
Naxos is the perfect destination for honeymooners who want to experience local culture, affordable dining, beautiful beaches, and ancient temples.
Local Culture
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades group and is known for its rich history and culture. In ancient times, it was a crucial centre during the Bronze Age Cycladic Culture and the Ancient Greek Archaic Period. According to Greek mythology, the young Zeus was raised in a cave on Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades. The island is also associated with other Greek myths, including the story of Dionysus and Ariadne and the legend of the sea god Poseidon and his future wife, the nereid Amphitrite.
Affordable Dining
When it comes to dining, Naxos offers a variety of affordable options. The island is well-known for its local produce, including "Arseniko Naxou" cheese, potatoes, Kitron (a local lemon-citrus spirit), and Naxian honey, which is derived primarily from thyme nectar. For a tasty meal, try the lamb in lemon sauce at Meze 2, a restaurant in Naxos port.
Beautiful Beaches
Naxos boasts some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, with clear waters and soft sand. Hawaii Beach, accessible via a scenic walk along paths with bushes, offers a breathtaking view from the cliffs above. Glyfada Beach provides an adventurous entrance through sand dunes, trees, and bushes, revealing wild scenery with clear blue water and red rocks. Pyrgaki Beach is another popular spot with soft sand and sunbeds, while Alyko Beach in the Aliko nature reserve offers a more rugged, natural experience with cedar and juniper forests.
Ancient Temples
Naxos is home to several ancient temples, including the Temple of Demeter, dedicated to the goddess of fertility and grain. This sanctuary, located in Sangri, is a must-see for its ancient Greek architecture and the opportunity to learn about the island's cultural and religious significance. Another notable site is Portara, a huge marble doorway and part of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo.
With its blend of cultural, culinary, and natural attractions, Naxos is an ideal honeymoon destination for couples seeking a mix of relaxation, exploration, and immersion in Greek history and culture.
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Frequently asked questions
The best times to visit Greece to avoid the crowds are during the country's shoulder seasons in April, early May, late September, and October. During these months, the temperatures are cooler, but it's still warm enough to take a dip in the Mediterranean. You can also consider visiting less-touristy islands like Tinos, which is known as the "spiritual heart of Greece" and is a favourite among Greeks for domestic getaways.
There are plenty of romantic activities to do in Greece for your honeymoon. You can book a private sunset cruise or catamaran ride, go snorkelling or scuba diving in the clear waters, or find a private beach to enjoy for the day. You can also join a honeymoon food and wine tour, stroll on black sand beaches, or take a dip in the sapphire sea.
There are many romantic resorts in Greece that are perfect for honeymooners. Here are a few:
- Kalesma in Mykonos is a minimalist fantasy escape with a full-service spa, villas with private pools, and sunset lounges.
- The Grace Hotel, which sits perched atop a cliff’s edge, providing awe-inspiring views from every room.
- Phāea Blue, a luxury resort on the island of Crete, offers a range of rooms, from sea view rooms to bungalows with private pools, as well as common spaces like the Phāea Blue Spa and two swimming pools.
- Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas, which has a swim-up bar.
